Translation guide
Describes someone or something that looks untidy, worn, or not well cared for. The best Japanese choice depends on what is scruffy: a person's appearance, clothing, an animal, or a place.
Describing a person who looks untidy, with messy hair, unshaven face, or generally disheveled appearance.
A common adjective meaning sloppy, untidy, or unkempt. Often used for personal appearance or habits.
He always looks scruffy.
Describes a scruffy, unkempt, or shabby appearance, often with a nuance of being unappealing or dirty. More negative than だらしない.
A scruffy-looking man came into the store.
Literally 'slightly dirty', implies a scruffy, grubby appearance. Often used for children or casual situations.
Scruffy kids were playing in the park.
Describing clothes, shoes, or fabric that are old, worn out, or shabby.
An onomatopoeic word meaning tattered, worn-out, or falling apart. Often used for clothes or objects.
He was wearing scruffy jeans.
Means tired or worn-out, often used for clothes that look shabby from long use.
He's wearing a scruffy suit.
Means shabby, seedy, or poor-looking. Can describe clothing or a person's overall appearance.
Describing an animal with messy, unkempt fur or feathers.
Describing a building, room, or object that looks neglected, shabby, or in poor condition.
Also used for places or things that look shabby or run-down.
They live in a scruffy apartment.
Describes a place that is desolate, shabby, or run-down, often with a sad or lonely nuance.
I walked through a scruffy shopping street.
Colloquial adjective meaning shabby, worn-out, or dilapidated. Often used for buildings or objects.
An old man in a scruffy coat.
That cat is cute with its scruffy fur.
It's a scruffy car, but it still runs.